It won't sell if it's not for sale...

This is the time of the year when many home sellers ask about taking their homes off the market for the holidays or maybe the entire winter. My advice is always consistent - you can't sell it, if it's not for sale. Keep it on the market!

Sure it's a hassle to have to keep the house ready for a showing at any time during the holidays, but you can specify a different set of showing criteria - maybe more notice or block out certain days when company will be with you. The point is to keep it active.

There are a surprising number of people who use their holiday vacations to get out and house hunt, especially if they're being transferred into the area, which happens a lot in this area. Another factor is that buyers who are out looking now are generally very serious buyers and not tire-kickers; so, the extra hassle is offset by the extra seriousness of the buyers. You house also likely looks about as good as it will get during this season, since you likely have it all decorated up for the holidays.

Since some sellers will not heed this advice, you gain the added advantage of being on the market in a reduced inventory situation. There is less competition. See my post of November 3 for some tips for selling in the winter. Maybe you can even put a big bow on the roof to make your house an inviting Christmas gift for some family.